Kohima, August 10: The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, has made a special request to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He urged that the proposed ‘Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026′ undergo a thorough investigation by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Rio emphasized the need for extensive parliamentary scrutiny and consultations with relevant stakeholders regarding the bill.
Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, echoed this sentiment, urging the central government to send the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill to the JPC for comprehensive consultation before finalizing the law.
In a letter addressed to Shah, Rio stated that the government should consider referring the proposed law to the JPC, where its provisions could be thoroughly examined, and representatives of relevant stakeholders could voice their concerns.
In a letter shared on social media, Rio acknowledged and respected the Indian government’s responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance regarding foreign contributions. He stressed the importance of preventing the misuse of the regulatory framework and protecting national interests. Additionally, he highlighted the need to ensure that genuine charitable, educational, healthcare, and humanitarian institutions, which have served the country for generations, are not inadvertently affected or left in uncertainty.
Referencing recent meetings with Christian representatives and church organizations, Rio requested that the Home Minister consider their perspectives with sensitivity, especially in light of Nagaland’s unique social, historical, and developmental context.
He noted that Nagaland has a significant Christian population, and churches have historically played a crucial role not only in the spiritual and communal lives of people but also in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, social welfare, and the well-being of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Rio stated that many educational, healthcare, humanitarian, and social service activities conducted by churches and charitable organizations, particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged areas, have relied on legal foreign contributions and partnerships.
He warned that the proposed amendments, if implemented in their current form, could exacerbate existing challenges and negatively impact various welfare, education, healthcare, and social service programs in the state.
Rio also emphasized the role of churches and Christian organizations in providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and emergencies. The history of Christianity and churches in Nagaland spans over 150 years, with longstanding ties to the global Christian community. The Baptist movement in Nagaland has historical connections with Baptist communities in the United States. The Catholic Church and other Christian denominations have maintained long-standing relationships with churches, missions, institutions, and organizations both in India and abroad.
He remarked, “For over a century, churches, Christian missions, and organizations from both domestic and international backgrounds have played a vital role in Nagaland’s development. Their contributions date back to before statehood and have continued through some of our history’s most challenging and isolated periods.”
Meanwhile, Mizoram’s Chief Minister Zoramthanga mentioned that he recently met with Shah in New Delhi, along with leaders from the two largest church organizations, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC) and the Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), which represent various Christian denominations in the state.
Zoramthanga stated that during the meeting, both organizations expressed their concerns and suggestions regarding certain provisions of the proposed law and submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Over 6 million Christians reside in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, with significant populations also found in other northeastern states such as Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
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